E35II Fuel Tank Replacement

Here is progress on fuel tank replacement for the 74' 35II.
Went with 3/16 welded alluminum and electronic (Centroid) fuel sender.
The new tank fit easily in to the original footprint with an additional 18 GA.
I just increased the height by 10" and went from 22GA to 40GA.

Hope this helps anyone that has an old rusted steel tank to replace....
and reluctant to take the PLUNGE !

Happy Sailing

Dan Simpson
Merlin
74' E35II
Oceanside Harbor, CA

Dan, Nice tank. Can I ask how much it cost? I assume you had it made by somebody?

Phil

Looks like a nice fit. Did you have to remove the engine to get it out of there? (looks like it's under the cockpit?)
Are there inspection ports somewhere?

Fuel Tank Happiness

The Tank was $650 (American Tanks-San Diego),sending unit(Centroid) $50
and guage (Teleflex) $40.
The tank access is through the door behind the removeable stairs.
I had to remove the door and frame to fit the tank in.
Also relocated the fuel inlet from the cockpit floor (BAD LOCATION !) to the deck near the port winches.
My builder did not recommend inspection ports. Pre-filter all fuel and clean
tank/remove water periodically from 3/8" Dip Stick access.
I use my waste oil pump for all these icky projects pumping diesel fuel.
Another problem discovered was shaffed/cracked fuel lines running in the bilge. Replaced all fuel lines(1/4" USCG) run in 3/4" nylon tubing conduit back
to tank. Used push-on barb/SAE FM-swivel flare (automotive fuel) fittings
wth SS hose clamps on all tank/filter/engine connections.

Good Luck on all your projects

Dan Simpson
Merlin
74' E35II
Oceanside Harbor, CA

Fuel Tank

The tank looks great. Your installation looks really clean, but what supports the tank and holds it in place?What did you use for a prefilter and what micron filter did you put in the prefilter? Ryan

Fuel Tank Heaven

The tank is a custom V-Bottom belly tank that hugs the hull. The original
tank had 3/4" X 1 1/2" stops glassed-in on the side and front. I have strapped the tank in from the top. Also added 1/4" neoprene gasket material
pads on the corners to stop tank abrasion.
The pre-filter is RACOR 120AS-2 Micron. Final filter is standard Universal
spin-on. I forgot to design in a grounding tab, so I will attach it to the
piping. Will also purchase a new fuel pump and keep the old one as a spare.
I obviously can't afford the new fuel pump if I need to know the cost !
Maybe someone could help us out on where to get a new fuel pump.

Go to West Marine to get ideas. Leave your wallet in the car !

Dan Simpson
MERLIN
74' E35II
Ocenside Harbor, CA

E35-II Monel Fuel Tank Replacement

chaco said:

Here is progress on fuel tank replacement for the 74' 35II.
Went with 3/16 welded alluminum and electronic (Centroid) fuel sender.
The new tank fit easily in to the original footprint with an additional 18 GA.
I just increased the height by 10" and went from 22GA to 40GA.

Hope this helps anyone that has an old rusted steel tank to replace....
and reluctant to take the PLUNGE !

Happy Sailing

Dan Simpson
Merlin
74' E35II
Oceanside Harbor, CA

Click to expand...

Yup.........the Old tank was Monel and Badly RUSTED inside and on the
corners it rested on. Close to full tilt LEAKING
Replaced the 20GA with a 40GA welded allumnum in the same space.
Open up your access plate and take a look see when you are replacing
hoses. No amount of polishing in the world would have helped this tank.
Better safe than sorry half way to Baja

Happy Fuel Tank